I suddenly feel like posting a piece of my thought here after chatting with a friend of mine (You know who you are if you are reading this post). This friend mentioned about something which triggered my thoughts; on how to view my life journey, how to communicate well with people. Anyway, I just thought of shouting out (meaning open my mouth and shout) right now but well, blogging should be fine. What crosses my mind was that sometimes, one should stop and think of what are the things that one should do, what are the aims that one plans to achieve and most importantly, is what all one has done so far worthwhile for the time and effort that one has put in? At some point in life, you’ll just feel very tired, exhausted, worn out, brain dead… (I know it basically means the same thing; “Hey, I don’t feel like doing the stuff that I’m doing now). And you’ll start to think about lots of weird things and posting some nonsensical stuff which has no link at all.
“Am I doing what I’m supposed to like to do? Or am I just an actor behind the mask, just doing it for the sake of others and not for myself?” It’s definitely a commendable action to put others before one self, but at the same time, this is also a weakness. You should start caring about yourself first before taking care of others. Not that you are trying to be selfish, but rather, you are trying to protect yourself.
Too much commitments in life will not going to help you much either. Learn to let go some and focus on only few of them. You’ll never be able to do all the things in the world. But one of my friend mentioned before, how long do you need to learn to let go? 10 years down the road? That will be too late before you realise the precious things that you have lost during the time. It’s good to have high aspirations and dreams. No dreams are too high. But how many dreams can you afford to execute? Time is absolute and there’s no way that you can wind back and replace the time that you have lost. Although you may find yourself at the crossroads of your life, think what is best for you. You cannot take all the roads. But you should not regret on what you have chosen.
There’s one statement from last year’s NUS President Sports award winner, Victoria Cambell which I find inspiring. “I race with a philosophy not to regret what I do, meaning, not to cross the finishing line and think I could have done better.†Yeap, don’t you think so? At some point in life, when you find that you are down, I think sharing it with friends would be a good way. Although I have not done so, I think it’ll be effective in lessening one’s burden. Voicing it out in anywhere (like in this blog), could be useful. That’s why I’m trying out now. Having too many things to settle now, too much things to think of and at the same time busy with school work. Don’t you think life is much worse without so many things to bother you? Sometimes, I guess taking time off relaxing alone and get in touch with nature would help. Hopefully it will. Anyway, I’m fine here, just that feel like extracting this thought out of me. Thinking along the same line as me? Hope so. Time to disconnect myself from the world for the moment. Gonna rest now. Tired…
(This section is added on 26 August) My friend asked me to read my previous blog entries. I did so, and I totally forgot about the Mayonnaise Jar and the 2 Cups of Coffee. How can I forget that?? Well, read it and you’ll know why. Thanks for reminding.
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Went over your thoughts and found myself smiling. Your thoughts brought back memories from years ago when I was as they say holding the world at the palm of my hands. As you would probably have concluded by now, yes, yes, I am that old. Around 2x your age.
Just a few tips from someone on her way back:
1) Choose something that you like to do and then just enjoy the ride. That way, work is not work but a hobby.
2) In choosing that something that you like to do, its nice to ponder how you can make a difference in the life of others around you. You would be surprised that it will make your accomplishments more deeper and richer.
How do I explain, I am a CPA (chartered accountant there in Singapore) and a lawyer (solicitor and a barrister there) here in the Philippines. I took up accountancy not because I like it but because of my parents. As a result, during my college years and years as a practicing accountant, I was miserable, miserable, miserable.
A few years into my accounting practice, I decided to take up law, an area which was more of my interest. Thus I spent 5 grueling years (the movie paper chase was just the tip of the iceberg) studying at night while working during the day. There were several times I want to shout, Shit….. What am I, a masochist? I want this to stop! But you would realize that if it is what you really really want, you go back to it (like a moth to a flame) no matter what obstacles are thrown in front of you.
After graduating from one of the top 2 law schools here, I worked in a series of prestigious law firms here as a top-notch tax lawyer. Lived it up for the next few years after which I started asking myself what would happen if I die here and now and my God asked me how my life made a difference in the life of others. Blank……blank…….blank……..
Well, to cut the long story short, am now working in the government (state pension fund) as a lawyer who files and litigates cases against companies who do not pay the contibutions and benefits of their employees. That way, I got the best of both worlds, I am practicing law and also helping others. Oh, and the accounting and tax, I do it on the side, from time to time, to augment my income. Of course, I still need the money!!!!!
Anyway, these are just rambling thoughts (corny as they may be) of any aging person. When I read your blogs, I envy you guys, with your life, (like a newly-minted coin), all shiny and new.
good stuff pal,
i was wondering if something on how to read fast can also be discussed,
keep up the good work,
james